Ugly side of office politics

COCKFIGHT is like an episode of The Office crossed with a UFC cage fight. It’s the ultimate boardroom battle of oneupmanship — and it’s all going down in Hobart next week.

A powerful physical performance featuring highimpact (and somewhat dangerous) choreography, Cockfight is the story of two men from different generations, who are trapped in an office together.

The men share space, resources, time and responsibilities, so their conflict is mixed with a fierce co-dependency. They need each other to survive — but their intense intergenerational grudge match might just kill them both.

A gripping theatrical thrill ride that is both darkly funny and poignantly sad, Cockfight explores the power play between men, the frailty of the ageing body, and our culture’s desperate struggle for achievement.

“At the heart of Cockfight is the very real relationship between me and Josh [Thomson],” says performer, co-creator and co-director Gavin Webber.

“We met as teacher and student, worked together for more than 10 years and now we’re both co-artistic directors of different companies.

“In the making of this show we broke a lot of props. There was a graveyard of stereos, phones, chairs, lamps and neckties. Thankfully what stayed intact was our working relationship.”

The Farm presents Cockfight at the Theatre Royal from 7.30pm next Thursday and Friday (August 30 and 31). Tickets are $30-$65, go to www.theatreroyal.com.au or phone 6233 2299 for bookings.

ON Monday, The Farm will host two free opportunities for Cockfight ticketholders: a “Meat & Bone’’ Movement Workshop with Josh Thomson at the Moonah Arts Centre; and a Yoga Chi Gung workshop with Gavin Webber in the Theatre Royal Backspace. Both events are free, but places are limited. To register, email rsvp@theatreroyal.com.au